Introduction
Popcorn is a beloved snack that transcends age and occasion, and when you add a delicious caramel coating, it transforms into a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. This recipe combines crispy popcorn with rich, buttery caramel, making it perfect for movie nights, parties, or simply enjoying at home. Not only is it easy to make, but it can also be stored for weeks, ensuring you’ll have a sweet snack on hand whenever you desire.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the popcorn:
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil (omit if using an air popper)
1/3 cup popcorn kernels (yields about 10 cups popped popcorn)
For the caramel:
100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (170g) light corn syrup (or glucose syrup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: About 10 cups of caramel popcorn
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Pop the popcorn:
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. If using an air popper, skip this step.
– Add a few popcorn kernels to the pot and cover it.
– Wait until the kernels pop, then remove them from the pot.
– Add the remaining popcorn kernels to the pot, cover it again, and give it a gentle shake to distribute the kernels evenly.
– As popping begins, shake the pot gently once more to ensure even popping.
– When the popping slows down to about 3 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat.
– Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels.
Prepare the caramel:
– Preheat your oven to 110°C (230°F).
– In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
– Once melted, add the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
– Allow the mixture to come to a bubble, then let it simmer without stirring for 4 minutes.
– Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly whisk in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be cautious, as the mixture will foam up significantly.
Combine and bake:
– As soon as the caramel is ready, pour it over the popped popcorn and toss to coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
– Spread the coated popcorn out onto two baking trays in an even layer.
– Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. The caramel will remelt during the first few stirs, helping to coat the popcorn evenly.
– Once baking is complete, remove the trays from the oven and allow the popcorn to cool.
– After it has cooled, break the caramel popcorn into pieces and serve.
Notes
Storage:
– The caramel popcorn will remain crisp for 2 to 3 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
Cook techniques
Popping the Popcorn
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a few kernels, cover, and wait for them to pop. Remove them and add the rest of the kernels, then cover and shake the pot. This ensures even heating and prevents burning.
Creating the Caramel
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until combined and allow the mixture to bubble. Let it simmer without stirring for about 4 minutes to achieve the right consistency.
Mixing and Baking
Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn immediately, tossing to evenly coat. Spread it onto baking trays and bake in a preheated oven, stirring every 10 minutes for an even coating and to ensure crispness.
FAQ
Can I use an air popper for making popcorn?
Yes, you can omit the vegetable oil if using an air popper, as it doesn’t require oil for popping.
How long does the caramel popcorn stay fresh?
The caramel popcorn remains crisp for 2 to 3 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
What can I do with unpopped kernels?
Unpopped kernels can be discarded as they are not usable for this recipe.
Can I add other ingredients to the caramel popcorn?
Yes, you can customize your caramel popcorn by adding nuts, chocolate, or spices to enhance flavor.
Is it necessary to bake the popcorn after coating it with caramel?
Baking helps firm up the caramel coating and keeps the popcorn crispy, so it is recommended.
Conclusion
Caramel popcorn is a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, providing a satisfying crunch that is hard to resist. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe delivers a delicious snack that can be enjoyed for weeks when stored properly. Whether for movie nights, parties, or just a special treat, caramel popcorn is sure to please everyone.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn
After coating the popcorn in caramel, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished popcorn for a rich, chocolatey twist.
Nutty Caramel Popcorn
Mix in roasted nuts such as almonds, pecans, or peanuts with the popcorn before baking to add extra crunch and flavor.
Spiced Caramel Popcorn
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the caramel mixture for a warm spice that complements the sweetness.
Coconut Caramel Popcorn
Fold in toasted shredded coconut into the caramel popcorn mixture for a tropical flair.
Cheddar Caramel Popcorn
Combine caramel-coated popcorn with cheese popcorn for a sweet and savory treat that tantalizes the taste buds.
Peanut Butter Caramel Popcorn
Swirl in some melted peanut butter into the caramel mixture before coating the popcorn for a rich, nutty flavor.
